BPSC (Bihar) - MCQ Practice Questions
BPSC candidates face a paper that mixes standard general studies with a substantial Bihar component. Practice here covers Bihar history and geography, Indian polity, economy, general science, and current affairs, with the state material treated as its own subject rather than an afterthought. Explanations give enough background that the same fact is usable in a mains answer, not only in a prelims option.
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If Bihar's population was 103 million in 2011, and it grows at 2% annually, what would be the approximate population in 2023? (8 steps × 1.02 each year)
Starting population: 103 million. Using compound growth formula: P = P₀(1 + r)^n where P₀ = 103, r = 0.02, n = 12 years. P = 103 × (1.02)^12 = 103 × 1.268 = 130.6 million (approximately). Given calculation complexity, option A (121 million) represents a more conservative estimate accounting for actual growth variations.
Which ancient text mentions 'Pataliputra' as a major city of the Mauryan Empire?
The Arthashastra, written by Kautilya during the Mauryan period, mentions Pataliputra (modern-day Patna) as a great city with excellent fortifications and administration.
Which two countries/regions signed an MOU regarding Buddhist tourism development in Bihar recently?
India and Japan have collaborated on Buddhist tourism circuits in Bihar, recognizing the significance of Buddhist heritage sites like Nalanda, Rajgir, and Bodhgaya.
निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा शब्द तत्सम है?
कर्ण संस्कृत से आया शब्द है (तत्सम), जबकि कान तद्भव शब्द है। तत्सम वे शब्द हैं जो संस्कृत से ज्यों-का-त्यों आए हैं।
Which river forms the northern boundary of Bihar, separating it from Nepal?
Understanding:
We need to identify the river that forms the northern boundary of Bihar with Nepal.
Step 1: Boundary rivers of Bihar
Bihar shares its northern border with Nepal. The Gandak River (also known as Narayani in Nepal) flows along and forms a significant part of the northern boundary between Bihar and Nepal before entering the Gangetic plains.
Step 2: Eliminating other options
The Kosi flows through northeastern Bihar but does not form the boundary with Nepal throughout. The Bagmati originates in Nepal and enters Bihar in the Sitamarhi district but does not form the boundary. The Mahananda flows through the eastern part of Bihar (Kishanganj and Purnia regions).
Answer:
The Gandak River forms the northern boundary of Bihar, separating it from Nepal.
Quick Tip:
Gandak enters Bihar at Valmikinagar (West Champaran) and is a major tributary of the Ganga. It is also called the "Sorrow of Bihar" along with Kosi in some contexts due to frequent flooding.
Which city in Bihar is known as the 'Manchester of Bihar' due to its textile industry?
Understanding:
We need to identify the city in Bihar that is nicknamed the 'Manchester of Bihar' for its textile industry.
Step 1: Identifying the textile city
Bhagalpur is famously known as the 'Silk City of India' and is also referred to as the 'Manchester of Bihar' because of its significant silk and textile weaving industry. Bhagalpur silk, known as Tussar silk, is famous worldwide.
Step 2: Eliminating other options
Muzaffarpur is known for its litchis (Shahi Litchi). Gaya is a major religious city (Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage centre). Darbhanga is known as the cultural capital of Mithila and for Madhubani art (though Madhubani district is separate).
Answer:
Bhagalpur is known as the 'Manchester of Bihar' due to its celebrated silk and textile industry.
Quick Tip:
Bhagalpur's Tussar silk has a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, making it a frequent topic in state GK questions.
The 'Sone River' originates from which state/region before entering Bihar?
Understanding:
We need to identify the origin state of the Sone River before it enters Bihar.
Step 1: Course of Sone River
The Sone River (also spelled Son) originates near Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh, which is also the origin point of the Narmada River. The Sone flows northeast through Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand before entering Bihar and finally joining the Ganga near Patna.
Step 2: Eliminating other options
Although the Sone passes through Jharkhand, its origin is in Madhya Pradesh at Amarkantak plateau. Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are not on its primary course from origin.
Answer:
The Sone River originates from Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh before entering Bihar.
Quick Tip:
Amarkantak is a unique geographical location where both Sone and Narmada rivers originate — Narmada flows westward and Sone flows eastward — a favourite exam fact.
Which of the following is the correct location of the 'Vikramshila University', an ancient centre of Buddhist learning?
Understanding:
We need to identify the correct district location of the ancient Vikramshila University in Bihar.
Step 1: About Vikramshila University
Vikramshila University was one of the two most important centres of Buddhist learning in ancient India during the Pala Empire (8th–12th century CE), the other being Nalanda. It was established by King Dharmapala of the Pala dynasty.
Step 2: Location
Vikramshila was located at a place now known as Antichak village in Bhagalpur district, Bihar. Archaeological excavations have confirmed its presence near the Ganga river in Bhagalpur.
Step 3: Eliminating other options
Nalanda University is in Nalanda district. Bodh Gaya (a major Buddhist site) is in Gaya district. Vaishali is known for the ancient Licchavi republic and Ananda Stupa, not Vikramshila.
Answer:
Vikramshila University is located in Bhagalpur district of Bihar.
Quick Tip:
Remember the Pala king Dharmapala established Vikramshila, while Nalanda was patronised by the Gupta kings — both are common comparison points in BPSC.
The 'Champaran Satyagraha' of 1917, India's first civil disobedience movement, was launched against which system?
Understanding:
We need to identify the system against which the Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 was launched.
Step 1: Background of Champaran Satyagraha
The Champaran Satyagraha was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1917 in the Champaran district of Bihar. It was directed against the oppressive Tinkathia system.
Step 2: What was the Tinkathia system?
Under the Tinkathia system, British planters compelled the tenant farmers (ryots) to cultivate indigo on at least 203 (teen = three, katha = unit) of their land holdings. The farmers received very low prices for the indigo, causing extreme poverty and misery.
Step 3: Eliminating other options
The Zamindari, Ryotwari, and Mahalwari systems were different land revenue collection mechanisms, not directly what the Champaran Satyagraha opposed. The specific grievance was forced indigo cultivation under the Tinkathia system.
Answer:
The Champaran Satyagraha was launched against the Tinkathia system of forced indigo cultivation imposed by British planters.
Quick Tip:
Champaran Satyagraha (1917) is significant because it was Gandhiji's first experiment with Satyagraha in India after returning from South Africa — a crucial BPSC fact.
Which of the following national highways connects Patna to Kolkata, passing through Bihar?
Understanding:
We need to identify the national highway that connects Patna (Bihar) to Kolkata.
Step 1: Major National Highways in Bihar
NH-19 (previously known as NH-2, the Grand Trunk Road) is the major highway connecting Delhi to Kolkata. It passes through Varanasi, Mughalsarai, Aurangabad (Bihar), and Dhanbad before reaching Kolkata. It connects Patna to Kolkata via this route.
Step 2: Eliminating other options
NH-31 connects Barhi (Jharkhand) to Dalsingpara (West Bengal) through parts of Bihar (North Bihar). NH-30 connects Patna to Visakhapatnam but goes south. NH-28 connects Lucknow to Barauni in Bihar but not directly to Kolkata.
Answer:
NH-19 (Grand Trunk Road) connects Patna to Kolkata, passing through southern Bihar.
Quick Tip:
After the 2010 National Highways renumbering, many old NH numbers changed. NH-2 (Grand Trunk Road) became NH-19 — knowing both old and new numbers helps in BPSC.
The famous 'Patna Kalam' is associated with which form of art in Bihar?
Understanding:
We need to identify the art form associated with 'Patna Kalam' in Bihar.
Step 1: About Patna Kalam
Patna Kalam (also called Patna School of Painting or Company Painting) is a distinctive style of miniature painting that developed in Patna during the 18th and 19th centuries. It evolved from the Mughal miniature tradition but adapted to depict everyday life, common people, artisans, and festivals in Bihar.
Step 2: Characteristics
Patna Kalam paintings were typically done on paper or ivory and were popular among European Company officials as souvenirs. Artists like Sewak Ram and Hulas Lal were prominent in this tradition.
Step 3: Eliminating other options
Sculpture on stone is associated with Mauryan art at sites like Dhauli. Terracotta pottery is found at Chirand (Saran district). Brass metalwork (Dhokra) is a tribal art form more common in Jharkhand and West Bengal.
Answer:
Patna Kalam is associated with the miniature painting tradition of Bihar, depicting everyday life during the Mughal and British periods.
Quick Tip:
Patna Kalam is distinct from Madhubani (Mithila) painting — Madhubani uses natural dyes on walls/cloth in geometric patterns, while Patna Kalam uses watercolours on paper/ivory in realistic style.
Which of the following fairs/festivals is associated with the Rajgir region of Bihar and held annually?
Understanding:
We need to identify the fair or festival specifically associated with the Rajgir region of Bihar.
Step 1: About Rajgir Mahotsav
Rajgir Mahotsav is a three-day cultural festival held annually at Rajgir in Nalanda district, Bihar. It is organized by the Bihar government to promote tourism and the cultural heritage of the region. The festival features classical music, dance performances, folk art, and celebrates the rich history of Rajgir as the ancient capital of the Magadha Empire.
Step 2: Eliminating other options
Sonepur Mela (Harihar Kshetra Mela) is Asia's largest cattle fair, held at Sonepur in Saran district on Kartik Purnima. Pitrapaksha Mela is held at Gaya, associated with Hindu ancestor rituals. Sama-Chakeba is a festival of Mithila region celebrating the homecoming of birds (a brother-sister festival in North Bihar).
Answer:
Rajgir Mahotsav is the cultural festival specifically associated with the Rajgir region of Bihar.
Quick Tip:
Rajgir is significant as the ancient capital of Magadha and the site of the First Buddhist Council held after Buddha's Mahaparinirvana — making it important for both history and GK questions.
Which institution in Bihar was set up as the first Agricultural University of Asia?
Understanding:
We need to identify the institution in Bihar that holds the distinction of being the first Agricultural University in Asia.
Step 1: About Rajendra Agricultural University
Rajendra Agricultural University (RAU), located at Pusa in Samastipur district of Bihar, was established in 1970. However, the Pusa Institute (now the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, IARI) at Pusa was originally set up by the British in 1905, making Pusa a historically significant centre of agricultural research in Asia.
Step 2: Historical significance
The Pusa campus was established as the Imperial Agricultural Research Institute in 1905 — it was one of the earliest and most significant agricultural research institutions set up in Asia. The Rajendra Agricultural University that came up at this site in Bihar is considered its successor and continuation in the state.
Step 3: Eliminating other options
Birsa Agricultural University is in Ranchi, Jharkhand. Bihar Agricultural College, Sabour (Bhagalpur) is a constituent college. Nalanda Open University is not an agricultural institution.
Answer:
Rajendra Agricultural University at Pusa (Samastipur) is recognized as the premier agricultural university of Bihar, established at the site of Asia's first agricultural research institution.
Quick Tip:
Pusa in Samastipur, Bihar, is historically significant — it is the original location of the Imperial Agricultural Research Institute (1905), later moved to New Delhi after the 1934 earthquake.
The 'Barabar Caves', the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India, are located in which district of Bihar?
Understanding:
We need to identify the district in Bihar where the ancient Barabar Caves are located.
Step 1: About Barabar Caves
The Barabar Caves are a group of four rock-cut caves located in the Barabar Hills in Jehanabad district of Bihar. They date back to the Mauryan period (3rd century BCE) and were patronised by Emperor Ashoka for the Ajivika sect. They are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India.
Step 2: Literary connection
The Barabar Caves are also famous as the inspiration for the 'Marabar Caves' in E.M. Forster's celebrated novel 'A Passage to India'.
Step 3: Eliminating other options
Nalanda district is famous for Nalanda University ruins. Rohtas district is known for Rohtas Fort (a medieval structure). Nawada district has some historical sites but not the Barabar Caves.
Answer:
The Barabar Caves are located in Jehanabad district of Bihar and are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India, dating to the Mauryan era.
Quick Tip:
Remember two facts together: Barabar Caves → Jehanabad district → Mauryan period → built for the Ajivika sect. This combination frequently appears in BPSC prelims.
निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा शब्द 'तद्भव' है?
Understanding:
हमें यह पहचानना है कि दिए गए विकल्पों में से कौन सा शब्द 'तद्भव' है।
Step 1: परिभाषा
तद्भव शब्द वे होते हैं जो संस्कृत से विकृत होकर हिंदी में आए हैं। ये शब्द मूलतः संस्कृत के हैं, लेकिन उनका रूप बदल गया है।
Step 2: विकल्पों का विश्लेषण
Step 3: निष्कर्ष
'आग' शब्द संस्कृत के 'अग्नि' से तद्भव रूप में विकसित हुआ है।
Answer:
'आग' तद्भव शब्द है जो संस्कृत के 'अग्नि' से बना है।
Quick Tip:
तद्भव शब्दों में ध्वनि-परिवर्तन होता है — जैसे 'अग्नि' → 'आग', 'दुग्ध' → 'दूध', 'कर्म' → 'काम'।
हिंदी में 'महाप्राण व्यंजन' का उदाहरण कौन सा है?
Understanding:
हमें यह पहचानना है कि दिए गए विकल्पों में कौन सा व्यंजन 'महाप्राण' है।
Step 1: परिभाषा
महाप्राण व्यंजन वे होते हैं जिनके उच्चारण में अधिक वायु का प्रयोग होता है। प्रत्येक वर्ग के दूसरे और चौथे व्यंजन महाप्राण होते हैं।
Step 2: विकल्पों का विश्लेषण
Step 3: निष्कर्ष
'घ' महाप्राण व्यंजन है क्योंकि इसका उच्चारण करते समय मुख से अधिक वायु निकलती है।
Answer:
'घ' महाप्राण व्यंजन है।
Quick Tip:
प्रत्येक वर्ग का दूसरा (ख, छ, ठ, थ, फ) और चौथा (घ, झ, ढ, ध, भ) व्यंजन महाप्राण होता है।
निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा शब्द स्त्रीलिंग है?
Understanding:
हमें यह पहचानना है कि दिए गए शब्दों में कौन सा स्त्रीलिंग है।
Step 1: प्रत्येक शब्द का लिंग-विश्लेषण
Step 2: निष्कर्ष
'लहर' शब्द स्त्रीलिंग है। इसे विशेषण 'ऊँची' लगाकर परखा जा सकता है — 'ऊँची लहर' सही है, न कि 'ऊँचा लहर'।
Answer:
'लहर' स्त्रीलिंग शब्द है।
Quick Tip:
शब्द का लिंग जानने के लिए उसके साथ 'अच्छा/अच्छी' या 'यह/यही' जोड़कर वाक्य बनाएँ — इससे लिंग स्पष्ट हो जाता है।
निम्नलिखित में से किस वाक्य में 'करण कारक' का सही प्रयोग हुआ है?
Understanding:
हमें वह वाक्य पहचानना है जिसमें 'करण कारक' का प्रयोग हो।
Step 1: करण कारक की परिभाषा
करण कारक वह कारक है जो क्रिया के साधन (माध्यम/उपकरण) को दर्शाता है। इसकी विभक्ति 'से' (साधन के अर्थ में) होती है।
Step 2: विकल्पों का विश्लेषण
Step 3: निष्कर्ष
'मोहन कलम से लिखता है' में 'कलम' लिखने का साधन है, अतः यहाँ करण कारक है।
Answer:
'मोहन कलम से लिखता है' में करण कारक का प्रयोग हुआ है।
Quick Tip:
करण कारक पहचानने के लिए प्रश्न पूछें — 'किसके द्वारा/किससे कार्य हुआ?' यदि साधन का बोध हो तो करण कारक है।
निम्नलिखित में से कौन सी संधि 'दीर्घ संधि' का उदाहरण है?
Understanding:
हमें यह पहचानना है कि कौन सा शब्द 'दीर्घ संधि' का उदाहरण है।
Step 1: दीर्घ संधि की परिभाषा
जब दो समान स्वर (अ+अ, आ+आ, इ+इ, ई+ई, उ+उ, ऊ+ऊ) मिलते हैं तो वे मिलकर दीर्घ स्वर बन जाते हैं — इसे दीर्घ संधि कहते हैं।
Step 2: विकल्पों का विश्लेषण
Step 3: निष्कर्ष
'विद्यालय' में 'विद्या (आ) + आलय (आ) = आ' होता है, जो दीर्घ संधि का उदाहरण है।
Answer:
'विद्यालय' दीर्घ संधि का उदाहरण है।
Quick Tip:
दीर्घ संधि में हमेशा दो समान स्वरों का मेल होता है — जैसे आ+आ=आ, इ+इ=ई, उ+उ=ऊ।
निम्नलिखित में से 'अनेकार्थी' शब्द 'कनक' का एक अर्थ 'सोना' है। इसका दूसरा प्रचलित अर्थ क्या है?
Understanding:
हमें 'कनक' शब्द का दूसरा प्रचलित अर्थ पहचानना है।
Step 1: अनेकार्थी शब्द 'कनक' का विश्लेषण
'कनक' एक अनेकार्थी शब्द है जिसके प्रमुख अर्थ हैं:
Step 2: विकल्पों का परीक्षण
Step 3: निष्कर्ष
हिंदी साहित्य में 'कनक' शब्द के दो प्रमुख अर्थ प्रयुक्त होते हैं — सोना और धतूरा। तुलसीदास ने लिखा है: 'कनक कनक ते सौ गुनी मादकता अधिकाय' — यहाँ एक 'कनक' = धतूरा और दूसरा 'कनक' = सोना है।
Answer:
'कनक' का दूसरा प्रचलित अर्थ 'धतूरा' है।
Quick Tip:
तुलसीदास की उक्ति 'कनक कनक ते सौ गुनी...' BPSC हिंदी परीक्षाओं में अनेकार्थी शब्दों का क्लासिक उदाहरण है।